A while ago I spoke of the importance of a good relationship between you and your mentor but the relationship between you and your lecturers is just as important.
- Originally published 19th March, 2012
Having to sit in lectures for most of the week, it soon becomes clear what makes a good lecturer.
Simply having an in-depth knowledge of the subject is not enough.
In my opinion it takes a mixture of authority and discipline with a dash of showmanship. Some of the best lectures I have experienced have been on the driest of subjects but they have been conveyed with such passion as to make it impossible not to listen.
One lecture that I can particularly remember was delivered by a mental health nurse during my first year. He came in, chastised a few people for being late and then preceded to give us an anecdote about how his car had been clamped the night before and the stressful time he had in confronting the clamper. It felt more like standup than an academic lecture. We all felt at ease and instantly warmed to this scatty and eccentric lecturer.
As students, we have to spend hours each week in lecture halls up and down the country.
The subjects we are exposed to may be depressing, serious or dry but that doesn’t mean that the delivery has to be as well. Other lecturers at my university create great relationships and rapport with their students and make the process of learning enjoyable and effective.
What do you think makes a good lecturer? Do you have any favorites?
